Archive for December, 2009
Monday, December 21st, 2009
Garden Success Tip of the Week
Every now and then, someone will ask what books we recommend or use for our own reference materials. And fortunately we have industry magazines, emails, bulletins, manuals, etc that are available for our use. But, there are many great books available for anyone to use, not only for good reading, but for use as a reference. Now, we all have our preferences, but I thought I’d list a ‘few’ you may want to consider next time you’re considering purchasing books about gardening, landscaping etc for yourself or as a gift. And if you have a favorite, let us know. We’ll check it out and maybe add it to our list!
Kris Wetherbee “Attracting Birds, Butterflies and other Winged Wonders to Your Backyard”(www.kriswetherbee.com)
Tracy DiSabato-Aust “The Well-Designed Mixed Garden” (www.tracylive.com)
“50 High Impact Low care Garden Plants”
“The Well Tended Perennial Garden”
John Malins “The Pruner’s Handbook”
McGee & Stuckey’s “The Bountiful Container”
Edward Smith “Incredible Vegetables from Self Watering Containers”
Scott Zanon “Desirable Trees for the Midwest”
Janice Doherty “A Calendar Year of Horticultural Therapy”
Manuals:
Michael A. Dirr “Manual of Woody Landscape Plants”
Steven Still “Manual of Herbaceous Ornamental Plants”
Ashton Ritchie / Scotts “Lawns – Your Guide to a beautiful yard”
The OSU Extension “Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide” / Bulletin 940
(estore.osu-extension.org) 740-833-2030 Delaware Co. Office
Magazines: Organic Gardening / Fine Gardening / Horticulture / Southern Living / Garden Gate
*These are just a few of the many books and magazines available that I use. Let us know if you have favorites!
[Before settling on the name of Tiny Tim for his character in "A Christmas Carol", three other names were considered by Charles Dickens - Little Larry, Puny Pete and Small Sam. By the way, the initial choice for Scrooge's "Bah Humbug" was "Bah Christmas".]
Tags: garden books, garden guides
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Monday, December 21st, 2009
Plant of the Week
I would like to finish the year with my most favorite plant of all – and the reason I finish the year with it, is because it is just now starting to strut its stuff! Corylus ‘Contorta’ or commonly known as Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick. Here is a hardy shrub (also grown single stem for small tree shape) that during the growing season, is your basic ordinary looking plant covered with curled / somewhat twisted green leaves. But when the leaves drop in the fall, this plant is exposed to its twisted curling stems and branches which is quite an attraction during the winter season. Male catkins will form over the winter, with the 1/16″ magenta female flowers showing up in late winter. (Yes, 1/16″ in size, so get out the magnifying glasses!) Truly a specimen plant like no other, Harry Lauders Walking Stick isn’t a plant for everyone. But it certainly is my favorite – especially during the winter.
[The Christmas season begins at sundown on Dec 24th and lasts thru sundown on January 5th. That's why it's called the Twelve Days of Christmas.]
Tags: Harry Lauders Walking Stick
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Monday, December 21st, 2009
Problems in the Garden this Week
Really no problems in the garden this week, but simply a reminder to get those last minute gardening chores taken care of. You know, things like raking up left over leaves on the lawn, putting the roses to bed for the winter, winter mulching as needed, storing away those chemical from freezing temperatures, putting away hoses and making sure none are still attached to the freeze-proof spigots, clean out those gutters to prevent ice dams, place tree trunk protectors on smaller trees to prevent damages from deer and other critters, reapply critter repellents as needed, clean the bird feeders, and keep feeding the birds, make sure the birds have a source of water all winter (almost more important than the feed), last minute watering of evergreens (especially newly planted ones or those against a foundation), apply winter protection sprays of WiltStop on sunny days above 40 degrees, have the mower serviced and those blades sharpened, make sure containers are stored away properly, plant last minute spring flowering bulbs in pots or in the ground, and make sure you have many gardening catalogs headed your way for the winter! (I’m sure there are more things to do, but this is enough to get you thinking!)
[Animal Crackers are not really crackers, but cookies that were imported to the U.S. from England in the late 1800's. Barnum's circus-like boxes were designed with a string handle so they could be hung on a Christmas tree.]
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Monday, December 21st, 2009
Garden Questions of the Week
“Ron, will you be emailing “The Gardeners Night Before Christmas” this year?” -Why, funny thing you should ask! Here you go, just in time!
The Gardener’s Night before Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the yard, the branches were bare – the ground frozen hard. Knockout roses were dormant, the others mulched all around,the evergreens had been sprayed with WiltStop, to keep them safe and sound.
The perennials were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of Espoma’s Garden Food danced in their heads. The newly planted shrubs had been soaked by the hose
To settle their roots for a long winter’s doze.
When out on the drive there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, knocking over my herb planted Earthbox as I threw up the sash.
I looked across the lawn where the new fallen snow, had covered the turf type tall fescues growing below. When what to my wondering eyes should appear? But a Natorp Truck in my driveway, filled with great gardening gear!
Saint Nick was the driver, the jolly old elf, and he winked as he said, “I’m a gardener myself. I’ve brought Radius tools, Padula sprinklers, a Ross Root Feeder, too
A bird feeder, Bionic Garden Gloves and Stihl Pruners just for you!
An Adjust O Rake, a shovel, and TLC grass seed to sow, Herb seeds for my friend Rita and all natural bug sprays for old Buggy Joe. Here’s Bonide’s Weed Beater Ultra and Bayer’s Tree and Shrub Insect Control, some Plant Tone, some Miracle Gro, and some MoleScram to repel that mole.
Here’s DeerScram and Repels All to keep those hungry deer at bay, sulfur, Soaps, oils, and Espoma fertilizer for gardening the ‘all natural way’. Bonide’s new Weed Beater Complete to feed the lawn and stop those crabgrass and other pesky seeds, and here’s a really cool Garden Stool that helps to save your knees!
To make your gardening easy, ‘Sucker Stopper’ and ‘Over the Top’. Don’t forget the Roundup and Preen, man these products really rock! Here’s Pine Soil Conditioner, SweetPeet, and composted manure, a green Christmas year-round, these garden gifts will ensure!”
Then Jolly Saint Nick, having emptied the load, started the Natorp’s truck and took to the road. And I heard him exclaim through the motor’s loud hum, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a Green Thumb!” -Author Unknown (Natorp revised 09)
[The poem commonly referred to as "The Night Before Christmas" was originally titled "A Visit From Saint Nicholas." This poem was written by Clement Moore for his children and some guests, one of whom anonymously sent the poem to a New York newspaper for publication.]
Tags: the gardener's night before christmas
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Monday, December 21st, 2009
From the Garden to the Kitchen
Yardboy, every year St. Nick puts POMEGRANATES in the little ones’ stockings. It’s a tradition long held in our family. Today I’d like to share some general tips on purchasing, storing and using this delicious fruit. What I really love about this fruit is it’s only available this time of year in our area. It’s truly a seasonal treat. And, the bonus? It’s one of the healthiest fruits you can eat! I hope St. Nick puts one in your stocking, Yardboy. But that all depends on how good of a yardboy you’ve been.
Here’s a Q&A on Pomegranates: -Pomegranates are an ancient fruit, mentioned in the bible: 1 Sam. 14: 2 – Saul rested under a pomegranate tree. -The symbol of the pomegranate was also embroidered on the high priests clothing and you can see drawings of it in ancient paintings. -Pomegranates are ancient fruits native to the Middle East. People of Bible days loved the sweet, red pomegranate. -How did people of Bible times eat it? The pulp was not only eaten raw, but squeezed to make a cooling drink. The seeds were either dried or eaten plain, added to soups and vegetables, or mixed with honey and walnuts and eaten as a sweet.
Are pomegranates healthy? They’re called the good seeds, packed with cholesterol fighting antioxidants. One pomegranate that is about 4” around has 105 calories. Pomegranates are a great source of potassium. Pomegranate juice may also help to prevent prostate cancer and helps to prevent plaque build up in your arteries. Pomegranate seeds have been studied and appear to enhance immune function among other things. I know it’s the juice in cocktails that are in the headlines (Pomegranate martinis are all the rage and pomegranate juice can be purchased year round.) It’s the seeds, though that I love.
Tips on purchasing and storing pomegranates? Choose heavy fruits because the heavier the pomegranate, the juicier the fruit. The thin, leathery skin should be smooth, not wrinkled or hard, with few blemishes. While most varieties are red, some varieties may have a pinkish or green skin. Pomegranates can be kept at room temperature for several weeks and are best eaten at room temperature. For longer storage, store in the fridge for up to two months. The seeds and juice can be frozen separately.
How do you get the seeds out? You can do it several different ways. The easiest is to cut off the crown and then cut fruit in half. You’ll lose a bit of juice. Submerge each half in a bowl of cold water, and tear apart the flesh underwater. The seeds drop to the bottom while the membrane rises to the top. Remove the membrane with a slotted spoon and strain water out.
Using pomegranate seeds:
- Toss seeds into a green salad with orange sections and sliced fennel
- Sprinkle seeds over a wedge of blue cheese that’s been drizzled with honey for an easy appetizer
- Top a sautéed chicken breast with seeds and chopped walnuts that have been added to pan juices at the end of cooking.
- Scatter seeds over a squash casserole.
- Add seeds to your morning yogurt or oatmeal.
- Seeds can be frozen up to 3 months.
Rita Heikenfeld, CCP www.abouteating.com
[“I once read where in Norway, on Christmas Eve, after dinner and opening of the presents, all of the brooms in the house were hidden. The Norwegians believed that witches and mischievous spirits would come out on Christmas Eve and steal all their brooms for riding. So after reading that, I now put all of our brooms away so Rita doesn’t go flying around with her friends on Christmas Eve.” –Frank Heikenfeld]
Tags: pomegranates
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
VISIT THE KROHN CONSERVATORY! – It’s holiday season and that means time to take a trip to the Krohn Conservatory! And this years holiday floral show – Lucia’s Garden. Swedish holiday traditions inspired this year’s show at the Krohn, which was designed by the Krohn’s florist Mary Ann Philips to help showcase her Swedish heritage.
Lucia’s Garden showcases these Swedish traditions amongst a holiday assortment of colorful plants, with a background of assorted evergreens including hemlock, spruce, white pine, and two decorated holiday firs. The bright holiday colors are provided by drifts of poinsettias, with an assortment of cyclamen, amaryllis, a huge poinsettia tree, and colorful annuals including coleus, dusty miller, Mexican heather, and plectranthus.
If you look closely, you’ll find a few gnomes peeking out of the display. They represent the gift bearing gnome named Tomte, similar to our modern day Santa. Gnomes are common characters in Swedish folklore year round. And yes, the traditional train display is up and running, featuring landmarks from the streets of Cincinnati. Lucia’s garden is an indoor winter wonderland that’ll have you feeling the spirit of the holiday season.
While you’re here, check out my favorite poinsettia – Ice Punch. So pack up the family and head on down to the Krohn Conservatory. It’s been a holiday tradition for my family, for many, many years. By the way, while you’re at the Krohn, take a look outside at some great examples of choosing plants that will add winter interest to your landscape. Granted you may not spend a lot of time outdoors during the winter, but when you do, or when you look out thru the windows, why not have plants that add a little something to the winter landscape. Now evergreens are a given – pines and spruce – junipers and hollies – but add a twist by planting golden chamaecyparis or blue junipers – or how about weeping Norway spruce and weeping white pine? If you like weeping, check out the form of the weeping beech tree clump near the sidewalk. Isn’t that something? And look at those grafted crabapples with their enlarged twisted trunks and eerie looking branching habit – great winter interest. And the cool thing is you really don’t appreciate these plants as much until their leaves drop in the fall. One last plant while you’re there. Out by the nativity scene, look tucked under that larger weeping spruce and you’ll find some Painted Arum. That wonderful foliage actually comes up in the fall! If protected, they last all winter and into the spring, and if not, they die back and come back up next spring anyway. Arum will send up stalks of green white flowers in late spring, the foliage dies back, and the flowers form stalks loaded with orange red berries thru the summer. Pretty weird eh? And by the way, they love the shade.
END OF YEAR TO DO LIST- Put the roses to bed now that the temps are cooler, finish deadheading and removal or dead perennial foliage, remove all those weeds that have suddenly popped up in the beds (don’t let them over winter), plant spring bulbs, still plenty of time to plant trees, shrubs, etc, get the mower serviced after the last mowing, and don’t forget to have those blades sharpened, remove hoses, drain, and store away (don’t forget that a hose attached to a freeze proof faucet will cause it to freeze!), properly store all chemicals, spray evergreens which a susceptible to winter burn / salt spray with WiltStop, build burlap screens for added protection, rake up late remaining fallen leaves, clean, oil and store away tools, try to avoid walking on frozen grass, still okay to do minimal structural pruning, clean out those gutters before we get into the freezing rains and snow, keep an eye on those houseplants for insect population flare-ups, as a good general rule, only water them when they’re dry (yes, there are a couple exceptions, but typically less water is needed during the winter months) and use luke warm water, visit your local garden store, pick up a few extra amaryllis, paperwhite, and hyacinth bulbs for indoor color over the winter, try growing herbs on the windowsill indoors, make sure you read all the seed catalogues you’ll get over the next month (I’m up to 4 already), and remember, if you have any questions about gardening, e mail us!
[Aspire to inspire before you expire.]
Tags: krohn conservatory
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Plant of the Week
This weeks plant may seem a bit unusual to be highlighting, but I think definitely deserves the spotlight – just so we can get it out of the spotlight! I’m talking about one of the top 10 invasive plants in Ohio, and that being ‘Bush Honeysuckles’ – namely Amur, Tatarian, and Morrow (Amur mostly in SW Ohio, Morrow in N Ohio, and Tatarian throughout Ohio). These are non-native shrubs that have literally taken over our wooded areas, fence rows, roadsides, hillsides and more. And if you’re not sure what we’re talking about, just look for the first shrubby plants to green up and the last to lose their leaves in the fall (many still have leaves right now). Now you may be saying, “What’s wrong with them? Flowers, nice shrubs, great natural screens – what’s the problem?” Well, the problem is these very vigorous shrubs shade out native vegetation (particularly in wooded areas) and out-compete native wildflowers. Once they take over, besides larger trees, nothing else will grow in those areas. They are literally changing the plant / nature / wildlife systems where they take over. Therefore it has become invasive in Ohio (and many other states) and needs to be removed and controlled.
Description: These are upright shrubs that can grow 6-15 feet in height. These honeysuckles have dark green, egg-shaped leaves. The tubular flowers are white on the Amur and the Morrow’s (changing to yellow with age), and pink on the Tatarian. Berries range from red to orange, occasionally yellow, and are eaten and dispersed by birds.
Habitat: The bush honeysuckles inhabit abandoned fields, roadsides, woodlands, and edges of marshes. Although they may be concentrated in one part of the state or another, all three species can be found throughout Ohio.
Management: The best control method is to cut and treat stumps with systemic herbicide (Roundup / Kleenup). Be sure to treat fresh cut stumps immediately, as research has shown the stumps will start to seal over within a few hours after being cut. Sprouts from cut stems may be treated with a foliar application of systemic herbicide. Foliar sprays (spraying entire plant) with these systemic herbicides can be a very effective means of control. Young shrubs are easy to pull or dig up. There is also a great tool for removal of honeysuckle called ‘The Honeysuckle Popper”. (www.misterhoneysuckle.com)
Be aware there is a native bush honeysuckle in Ohio (Diervilla lonicera) which is not invasive, as well as ‘winter honeysuckle, both of which are very desirable landscape plants. Native Alternatives: nine-bark (Physocarpus opulifolius), dogwoods (Cornus racemosa, C. amomum and C. sericea), northern arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), and chokeberry (Aronia prunifolia, A. melanocarpa)
For more information, visit www.dnr.state.oh.us.
[Wear a watch and you'll know what time it is. Wear two watches, and you'll never be sure.]
Tags: bush honeysuckle
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Problems in the Garden this Week
If you have plums or cherry trees in your yard – including both fruiting and ornamental – now that the leaves have fallen, get out and take a close look at their branches. Look for large swollen knots on the branches. If you see some, this is a very common disease on plums and cherries called Black Knot. It’s an air-borne disease that spreads in the spring when the spores are injected into the air during rainy periods, and can be spread for miles if the wind conditions are right!
Black Knot affects twigs, branches, and fruit spurs, and over time, they gradually encircle the branch. In many cases, the smaller branches may die right away, while larger branches last for several years before finally being girdled and die. And in severe cases, the entire tree may gradually be weakened and die if controls are not taken.
So, what to do if you discover Black Knot on your cherries or plums? During this winter, or before spring bud break, prune out all the infected branches, cutting at least 2-4 inches below each knot. And then destroy those infected pieces. If you find it on larger branches of the tree that cannot be removed, try cutting it away down to healthy wood with a sharp knife, and let the tree seal that wound over. This spring, use a regular spring fungicidal spraying program of Fungonil or Mancozeb (or copper based fungicide) generally from bud break until late spring /early summer, especially before rainy periods.
Between catching it early, pruning it out, and using the fungicidal sprays, you should be able to get Black Knot under control and save your trees. In a tree where it has been heavily infected for years, it may be best to remove the tree and replace it. If you’re not sure, take a picture of the tree and let one of our experts see how bad the situation is. And, being that it is air-borne, and you know what to look for, I wouldn’t hesitate to replace it with the same type tree.
[Frustration is trying to find your glasses without your glasses.]
Tags: black not, cherry tree, plum tree
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Garden Questions of the Week
“Every year my Alberta spruce has brown needles after the winter. Anything I can do to help it out?” -Yes there is! Most of that browning is from winter burn – moisture lost from the needles. So, make sure it has good moisture in the soil right up until the ground freezes. This is very important, especially for those planted in high wind areas or close to the foundation. Then, spray your Alberta with WiltStop before the winter. This helps seal the moisture in the needles and reduces moisture loss. Between the two, that should help reduce those browning winter needles.
“Is there an easy fix to keeping squirrels away from our bird feeders?” -I’m not sure there is an “easy fix”, but lots of folks are having decent success using a squirrel repellent such as Squirrel Stopper and spraying the feeder. It’s a combo of herbal scents, including cinnamon and rosemary. To be successful, keep re-freshening the spray as needed, and remember, when critters are in survival mode, they’ll eat no matter what the smell. (Note: Of course, there are many “squirrel proof” feeders available, as well as using slick poles for feeder mounting, greasing the poles, using squirrel baffles, feeding the squirrels separate from the birds, using safflower seed, etc, etc.)
“I just bought a ‘Lemon Cypress‘ for using indoors during the holidays. When and where should I plant it outdoors afterwards?” -Sorry, but Lemon Cypress (Cupressus m. ‘Goldcrest’) is not intended for outdoor use here in our zone. Great plant with wonderful foliage, but limited to container growing here – indoors for the winter and outdoors for the summer, in a pot. I believe it works outdoors in Zones 7 or higher (maybe southern 6 with protection).
“I planted some paperwhite bulbs, and they’re now about 2 feet tall and falling over! What did I do wrong?” -Nothing. It’s very normal for them to do this. But you can help control it, by several different methods. Keeping them in a well lit but cooler exposure slows down the growth and they will stay a bit shorter. You can use a ’splash’ of gin or vodka in the water when you add water to the bulbs – believe it or not this actually helps to keep them a bit stockier. Or one of the new ways is to actually grow them in very tall vases. A bit of gravel in the bottom, bulbs on top, add water to the bottom of the bulbs (just like you normally would) and let them grow as tall as the vase! Then the flowers either bloom at the top or above the top of the vase, and the vase holds the stems in an upright position. Actually looks very cool! (Remember you can actually time the flowering of the paperwhites by controlling the air temps. Cooler air slows then down, warmer air speeds them up.)
[Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.]
Tags: alberta spruce, and lemon cypress, squirrels
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
From the Garden to the Kitchen
Yardboy, the countdown to Christmas is almost over, so today I’m sharing a wonderful recipe for last minute gift giving. This hot fudge cinnamon sauce also makes a nice hostess gift. Now if you like, you can make me a double batch. I’ll supply the ice cream!
CINNAMON HOT FUDGE SAUCE
1/3 cup whipping cream, un-whipped
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Couple dashes salt
6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped (about a generous cup and you can use your favorite chocolate morsels)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Bring cream, corn syrup, sugar, cocoa and salt to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate and butter. Let stand a few minutes then whisk until smooth. Whisk in vanilla and cinnamon. Cool to warm before serving. Store in frig up to 1 month and re-warm before using.
Tips from Rita’s kitchen: Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tree. It’s actually the bark of an evergreen laurel tree. There are many kinds of cinnamon and its cousin cassia. Purists think the best comes from a certain area in Vietnam. Always buy cinnamon in small amounts unless you use it a great deal since it will lose its potency over time. Give it the sniff test – if it’s fresh, you’ll know it. Like other herbs and spices, away from heat and light.
Health benefits of cinnamon: Sprinkle a bit on your morning cereal to lessen the need for sugar and to keep blood sugar stable. Cinnamon also helps lower cholesterol.
Cinnamon as a brain booster: Yes, it’s true, Yardboy. – Simply breathing in that aroma can make you sharper! Yet it also has a calming, soothing, homey effect.
-Rita Heikenfeld, CCP www.abouteating.com
[Rita and I had words, but I didn't get to use mine. -Frank Heikenfeld]
That’s it for this Week
OBKB. That’s it for this week. Next week is our annual Christmas Edition of our newsletter, and then we’ll take a couple weeks off to enjoy the holidays and get recharged for the 2010 gardening season. Now, do yourself a favor. Go out and have the best weekend of your life. See ya. RW, the Yardboy.
[How about this for a telephone recording: "I am not available right now but thank you for calling. Please leave a message after the beep. I am making changes in my life. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes."J]
Tags: hot fudge
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